President Donald Trump’s close ally, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, has strongly criticized European allies for their hesitance to assist in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran.

During a discussion on X this past Tuesday, Graham expressed his frustration, accusing US allies of displaying ‘arrogance’ and disclosed President Trump’s deep dissatisfaction with the lack of support.

“I have never heard him so angry in my life,” Graham remarked, sharing in Trump’s fury over the situation given the high stakes involved.

Senator Graham, representing South Carolina, has been a vocal advocate for a more aggressive stance against Iran for over a decade. He has applauded Trump’s assertive actions, despite the potential political risks for Republicans should the conflict lead to a surge in prices.

The military engagement, initiated by Trump, has now entered its 19th day. In a bid to prevent economic instability, Trump has called upon NATO members, as well as nations like Japan, South Korea, and even China, a traditional US competitor, to provide naval support for escorting commercial vessels through the critical maritime passage of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, these appeals have so far met with no positive response.

‘Well, we don’t need too much help,’ Trump said in the Oval Office on Tuesday, brushing off allies’ resistance.  

Directly after, he chewed out NATO. 

Senator Lindsey Graham lambasted the US’s European allies for refusing to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid the war with Iran 

A Thai ship called the Mayuree Naree was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11

‘I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,’ he told reporters. ‘And I’ve long said that, you know, I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So this was a great test, because we don’t need them, but they should have been there.’ 

Trump has long been critical of the NATO alliance, formed to put a check on Russian influence. 

In his post, Graham pushed that there would be repercussions and that Europe sitting this one out would be felt ‘wide and deep.’ 

‘I consider myself very forward-leaning on supporting alliances, however at a time of real testing like this, it makes me second guess that value of these alliances,’ the South Carolina senator said. 

‘I am certain I am not the only senator who feels this way,’ Graham added. 

Graham’s tough talk comes a day after he filed to run for reelection in the 2026 Senate race.  

‘Nobody is better prepared to help President Trump protect us from evil than I am. Nobody is better prepared to help him get his agenda through the Senate than I am. Nobody running is better prepared to help our state than I am,’ Graham said at the time of the filing. 

He’s held his seat since 2003. 

A fire breaks out on a Thai cargo ship after it was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11

Senator Lindsey Graham (left) speaks to reporters on board Air Force One in January alongside President Donald Trump (right) 

Democrats thought they might have a chance to expel Graham from the Senate in 2020, with the selection of up-and-comer Jaime Harrison, who went on to become the Democratic National Committee chair. 

Despite having $132 million at his disposal, Harrison still came up short by 10 points. 

A December Public Policy Polling survey again showed that Graham could be vulnerable, with him leading a generic Democrat by just two points. 

But when voters were asked to rate Graham versus one of the Democrats running in the primary, Dr. Annie Andrews, his lead extended to six points. 

Candidates have until March 30 to file their paperwork to run in the race. 

Some Democrats have floated that South Carolina native Stephen Colbert should challenge Graham, as he’s departing The Late Show in May, after CBS’ controversial decision to cancel it. 

A MoveOn petition pushing Colbert to enter the South Carolina US Senate race currently has more than 700 signatures.